In an effort to update the latest clinical applications of molecular biology in cancer diagnostics and treatment, Gene Solutions Philippines hosted an event with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) to highlight significant clinical usages and present real-world data.
Dr. Conrad Lola, Medical Oncologist, opened the first presentation discussing the ecosystem of available molecular oncology tests in the Philippine market. He provided an overview of the components and clinical utility of molecular cancer diagnostics, from multi-gene panel liquid biopsy, minimal residual diseases (MRD) detection and comprehensive genomic profiling. Dr. Lola emphasized that oncologists should have access to all necessary tests for each patient to reduce testing time and expedite precision treatment based on the patient’s specific condition and tumor’s molecular profile. In final keypoints, he also emphasized the role of multi-cancer early detection in clinical settings to help improve patient outcomes.
One of the most significant advancements in molecular biology is the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in minimal residual disease (MRD) detection, which helps oncologists to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect early recurrence. Dr. Josephine Tolentino, President of Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), shared a case report of her patient with colon cancer who had undergone MRD test to determine minimal residual disease 2 years after receiving adjuvant systemic treatment. This highlights the role of ctDNA in monitoring disease recurrence after cancer treatment.
Dr. Nguyen Duy Sinh, Gene Solutions’ Medical Head, provided further insights and led a Q&A session on minimal residual disease, helping participating oncologists understand the real-world applications of this technology. The lecture presented an update on the detection of MRD in early-stage disease and tracking ctDNA in neoadjuvant, recurrent, or metastatic settings.
In the final session, Dr. Dennis Santos, Medical Oncologist, Fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians (FPCP), and Fellow of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (FPSMO), shared another case report using a Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) test in managing a patient with rectal cancer. This early adoption of CGP test provided the molecular signature of the patient’s tumor which helps in deciding what type of targeted therapy or immunotherapy appropriate for patient treatment. Also, it provides information on germline mutation that can be used for hereditary genetic counselling, as well as for targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
The event fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among oncologists from various regions of the Philippines, showcasing the effectiveness of molecular tests in real-world clinical settings. Some practical questions raised by the audience were also addressed to enhance their knowledge on the different molecular tests and the meaning of applying them for cancer patients.
In addition to the key experts talk, Ms. Jo Rapadas, our Director of Gene Solutions Philippines, also shared with attendees about the company’s recent achievements in cell-free DNA technology as well as CAP accreditation for one of company’s lab networks in Vietnam.
About Gene Solution Philippines
Established in 2022, Gene Solutions Philippines has quickly advanced genetic testing and supported the clinical oncology community, emphasizing the importance of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in molecular diagnostics and expanding their market presence.
